Burley seeks government support

Scotland manager George Burley has called for increased public finance to help the nation improve at football.

"We haven't got the facilities, we haven't got the backing from the government," said Burley.

"We played four or five hours a day. We played in school, in the park, for boys' clubs. These days, you see 15-year-olds who can hardly trap a ball.

"Sports science and diet has improved but basics used to be better because we practised from an early age."

Burley, speaking at an event to raise money for the Scottish Huntington's Association, pointed to the investment made in indoor sports facilities in countries such as Denmark.

The Danes have qualified for the World Cup finals next year, while Scotland have not been to a major championship since 1998.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith is involved in discussions with the government to seek ways of boosting his efforts to get children more involved in the sport

And despite his concerns, Burley is convinced the SFA are making advances.

"I think we're going the right way," he added. "I think it's going to take time to develop young players. We all recognise that.

"A lot of work goes on behind the scenes with Gordon and Jim Fleeting going into schools.

"It's important we try to get more new facilities. You look at Toryglen (Football Centre), which is fantastic, and we need more of that.

"I'm sure Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown spoke about it and my other predecessors.

"Can we lobby the government more and get more money because the Scottish FA haven't got the money to do it all."

Talking at the same event, Burley's assistant Terry Butcher also highlighted the problems facing youth development in Scotland.

"We haven't got a youth team now," said the Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager.

"They are cutting back and that's the first thing they cut.

"We have got a good few youngsters in the squad but the problem is getting them matches.

"Scotland doesn't have a reserve league and now we don't have an under-19 team."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Scotland
Uefa
Fifa
Foreign Office travel advice
Football on the BBC
Your say - 606 International football
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites